Quite different to veneers, cosmetic bonding is entirely completed at your dental clinic, and depending on how many teeth are being done, the treatment can be completed in one visit.
Cosmetic bonding makes cosmetic improvements to your teeth. The procedure uses tooth-coloured composite resin material to:
- Conceal cracks or chips in your teeth.
- Hide tooth discolouration.
- Close gaps between your teeth.
- Change the length of your teeth.
- Change the shape of your teeth.
What is cosmetic bonding and what is the procedure?
Your dentist will begin by choosing a colour that matches your teeth and begin preparing the bonding resin, which can be moulded into any desired shape to suit your teeth.
Then, your dentist will begin the cosmetic bonding procedure by roughening your tooth’s surface and applying a conditioning fluid that will assist the resin in sticking to your teeth. After this, your dentist will begin applying the resin to your teeth and begin moulding them in the right shape. Once it has been smoothed down, a bright UVA light will be shined onto the teeth, hardening the resin in just a few seconds.
Finishing the cosmetic bonding teeth procedure, your dentist will smooth out the resin, creating a natural feel in your mouth.
When is cosmetic bonding recommended?
Cosmetic bonding for your teeth is recommended if you need to repair any of the following issues:
- Gaps between teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Discolouration of teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Short teeth
- Protection of exposed roots
Cosmetic bonding is a brilliant alternative to veneers. What’s great is that bonding is less expensive and doesn’t always require shaving down your tooth enamel, which can put many people off veneers.
Advantages of cosmetic bonding
There are many benefits to choosing cosmetic bonding.
Minimal tooth alteration
Whilst veneers and dental crowns require significant enamel removal, the cosmetic bonding teeth procedure typically doesn’t require any.
Cost-effective
Cosmetic bonding is one of the least expensive teeth-altering procedures available on the market. Versatile
Cosmetic bonding can hide a variety of imperfections, including chips, cracks, gaps and discolouration, making the procedure suitable for more people.
Fast and convenient
Other cosmetic procedures, like veneers for example, require multiple appointments, whereas cosmetic bonding can be completed in just one visit depending on how many teeth are being worked on.
Disadvantages of cosmetic bonding
The main disadvantage of cosmetic bonding is that it isn’t as strong as veneers or fillings, and it also isn’t as stain resistant. Due to this factor, it’s recommended that you go in for small-scale repairs when needed. This means that if your teeth need a significant amount of repair then opting for veneers or crowns might be the better option for you.
Grinding your teeth can also significantly damage the bonding resin. If you are someone who grinds their teeth in their sleep, then you might want to consider investing in a mouth guard to wear when you sleep. Grinding wears down and chips off the resin much faster than day-to-day wear and tear.
Hygiene and aftercare
Aftercare is super easy after the . You simply need to follow good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. It’s ideal to book with your dentist for regular checkups.
Try to avoid biting your fingernails, chewing on pens, using your teeth to open packages or any similar habits.
You can rely on Kai Dental Cosmetic Bonding, including our dentist in Mayfair team, to give you the pearly whites you truly desire. Get in touch for more information.
